Agility is an athletic event that requires conditioning, concentration, training, and teamwork. Dogs and handlers must negotiate an obstacle course while racing against the clock. Agility is a great form of exercise for both dog and handler, and a fun way to bond. And you don’t have to compete to enjoy agility. Taking an agility class offers many other benefits. But many people start the sport just for fun, only to get bitten by the agility bug and become lifelong competitors!
All agility classes are taught outside on our regulation-sized agility field October – May. Summer classes starting mid-June are taught inside our air-conditioned building on mats.
PLEASE READ DESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY – IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT CLASS IS APPROPRIATE PLEASE USE THE CLUB CONTACT FORM TO ASK YOUR QUESTION.
Indoor Summer Agility Classes
| Class | Prerequisites | Participant requirements: | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| AG Agility Foundation Skills JWW Focus is on the dog’s ability to commit to a single obstacle and learn proper form as well as tight turns/wraps. Various turning cues will be introduced and fine tuned. Multiple jumps will be used to train various components of jumping skills and navigation (handling) skills. Recognizing how to support your dog’s path between obstacles, and which cues are most helpful will be addressed. | Dogs will do best in this class with some basic obedience, willingness to be a team partner, and have some experience learning how to shape and offer new behaviors. New handlers and young dogs will do well in this class with some degree of operant behavior. “Operant,” in this class means a willingness to learn as opposed to using class time in a disruptive manner. If your dog is lacking a strong foundation in agility, it’s a great class to create more accuracy, confidence, and understanding your cues. | A positive attitude while learning new skills. Dogs should be praised as opposed to constant corrections when there is an element of failure. Failures while attempting new skills should not be reprimanded. It is information to use as a positive to focus on your own skill level as well as your dogs. Learning to work as a team is an incredible experience which strengthens your relationship and your dog’s confidence in class and beyond. It’s important to support everyone in class and learn from their time in class as well as your own. Please avoid meet and greets with other dogs during class. The learning experience is about you and your dog bonding as a team. Other dogs in class can certainly appear more entertaining and distracting for young dogs especially. | Please bring treats that will not break apart and leave crumbs on the floor. The surface is dark, so dogs will notice any bits that remain on the floor. Toys used for tossing or tugging are encouraged in addition to treats. Regular flat collars, not corrective, are most suitable. Dogs must be on leash when not crated or working. Please bring water for your dog, and a crate. All dogs must be crated when not working. Also bring a chair. Dogs relax in their crates more naturally when you are sitting and relaxed as well |
| AG Novice/Open JWW Handlers will learn strategies and skills to combine obstacles in order to increase speed and accuracy. Teams will be introduced to skills the dog needs in order to send, create more lateral distance, and understand in advance when and where a turn is indicated. In addition, we will work on jump/obstacle commitment, fine tune weave performance, and staying connected between obstacles. | Must have previous experience sequencing at least 10 obstacles and an understanding of basic handling skills. New skills will be introduced to succeed in more advanced levels of competition or simply create better team communication and teamwork. | A positive attitude while learning new skills. Dogs should be praised as opposed to constant corrections when there is an element of failure. Failures while attempting new skills should not be reprimanded. It is information to use as a positive to focus on your own skill level as well as your dogs. Learning to work as a team is an incredible experience which strengthens your relationship and your dog’s confidence in class and beyond. It’s important to support everyone in class and learn from their time in class as well as your own. Please avoid meet and greets with other dogs during class. The learning experience is about you and your dog bonding as a team. Other dogs in class can certainly appear more entertaining and distracting for young dogs especially. | Please bring treats that will not break apart and leave crumbs on the floor. The surface is dark, so dogs will notice any bits that remain on the floor. Toys used for tossing or tugging are encouraged in addition to treats. Regular flat collars, not corrective, are most suitable. Dogs must be on leash when not crated or working. Please bring water for your dog, and a crate. All dogs must be crated when not working. Also bring a chair. Dogs relax in their crates more naturally when you are sitting and relaxed as well |
| AG Advanced/Master’s Coursework JWW This class is appropriate for those already competing and wish to increase and fine tune their skill level in competition. Advanced skills as well as International handling challenges will be presented. | Ideally, participants should be competing or able to negotiate more complex sequencing skills. | A willingness to learn new skills or fine tune more advanced sequencing. | Please bring treats that will not break apart and leave crumbs on the floor. The surface is dark, so dogs will notice any bits that remain on the floor. Toys used for tossing or tugging are encouraged in addition to treats. Regular flat collars, not corrective, are most suitable. Dogs must be on leash when not crated or working. Please bring water for your dog, and a crate. All dogs must be crated when not working. Also bring a chair. |
| Class Name | When/Instructor | Click Button to Register |
|---|---|---|
| AG Agility Foundation Skills JWW (8007) | Wednesdays, from 3:30-4:45pm, 9/4-25/2024 (4-weeks) Leslie Granville-Smith | Registration Closed |
| AG Novice/Open JWW (8006) | Wednesdays, from 5:00-6:15 pm, 9/4-25/2024 (4-weeks) Leslie Granville-Smith | Registration Closed |
| AG Advanced/Master’s Coursework (8005) | Wednesdays, from 6:30-7:45 pm, 9/4-25/2024 (4-weeks) Leslie Granville-Smith |
Outdoor Agility Classes
| Class Name and Description | Prerequisites and Participant Requirements: |
|---|---|
| Agility FUNdamentals This class is suitable for puppies and NEW students/dogs to agility. Emphasis is on building a solid relationship and skills necessary to begin the process of sequencing multiple obstacles. | Dogs must have completed at least one basic obedience course. A STAR puppy program or CGC (Canine Good Citizen) is recommended. Dogs must not be aggressive towards people or other dogs. See below: Requirements for All Agility Classes |
| AG Introduction to Contacts and Weaves In this class we will review/address proper negotiation of all Contacts (A Frame, Dog Walk, Teeter, Table) and various methods of training weave poles. Suitable for BEGINNERS or those in need of rehab or remedial training. A good refresher for any team struggling with criteria. | Any previous Agility Foundation classes are helpful. See below: Requirements for All Agility Classes |
| AG Beginner Sequencing In this class dogs and handlers will be negotiating short sequences (multiple obstacles.) Dogs will be training on all agility obstacles including contacts and weaves. We will build on your foundation skills and learn how to negotiate obstacles efficiently, accurately with speed, and safely. Emphasis will also include connection with your dog between obstacles. | Students must have ADEQUATE FOUNDATION SKILLS from previous classes. This includes maintaining dogs’ attention and focus in order to negotiate multiple obstacles. Dogs should be somewhat familiar with all obstacles. We will be building on these skills. See below: Requirements for All Agility Classes |
| AG Competitive Novice/Open Agility In this class dogs and handlers will be working on effective communication/navigation skills between obstacles. You will learn which turning cue works best for you as a team between obstacles. Also why and where to use specific turning cues which includes working on your timing and staying connected while in motion. We will have short sequences for drills, and coursework which will include all obstacles. | Students must have previous experience running full courses and negotiation contacts and weaves. This class is best suited for teams preparing for competition or already competing at Novice/Open level. Dogs should be familiar with all obstacles. Handlers must have knowledge of basic handling skills. See below: Requirements for All Agility Classes |
| AG Advanced/Master’s Skills and Coursework This class is best suited for teams already competing. We will be fine tuning handling skills and various options as they apply to course challenges. Emphasis will be on navigating full courses as well as addressing sections of each course to address any issues with handling options, timing, and learning new skills in order to excel in competition. | Students should have previous experience running full courses with various types of turns, discriminations, and a willingness to try new techniques. Keep an open mind and be respectful of others who may struggle and require additional help. Encouraging and supporting classmates is also important. See below: Requirements for All Agility Classes |
All dogs must be non-reactive (aggressive) towards other dogs or humans. Students must have a well behaved dog with ample basic obedience training. A solid recall as well as focus on task is a plus and is most helpful to keep class running smoothly. Please potty your dog before entering the agility area, and wait for previous class to exit.
All dogs must be crated when not working.
Dogs must be leashed entering or exiting agility field. Flat buckle collar and 6 foot leash are encouraged. Please do not have anything attached to dog’s leash, such as a potty bag container (if dog is ever working on leash.) Bring interactive toys and soft training treats. A treat pouch is highly recommended. Please bring plenty of water and bowl for your dog. For yourself, please wear proper running shoes. No sandals or open footwear. A small fan is recommended for cooling your dog while crated. You will also need a chair and water for yourself.
Class Schedule
| Class Name | When/Instructor | Click Button to Register |
|---|---|---|
| Agility FUNdamentals (8057) | Thursdays 5:30-6:45 pm 10/10-11/14/24 Leslie Granville-Smith | Registration Opens 4 weeks before class start date |
| AG Introduction to Contacts and Weaves (8056) | Thursdays 4:00-5:15pm 10/10-11/14/24 Leslie Granville-Smith | Registration Opens 4 weeks before class start date |
| AG Beginner Sequencing (8060) | Wednesdays 3:30-4:45 pm 10/9-11/13/24 Leslie Granville-Smith | Registration Opens 4 weeks before class start date |
| AG Competitive Novice/Open Agility (8059) | Wednesdays 5:00-6:15 pm 10/9-11/13/24 Leslie Granville-Smith | Registration Opens 4 weeks before class start date |
| AG Advanced/Master’s Skills and Coursework (8058) | Wednesdays 6:30-7:45 pm 10/9-11/13/24 Leslie Granville-Smith | Registration Opens 4 weeks before class start date |